The Secularization Of Pain Analysis
In “The Secularization of Pain”, Canton charts how the social atmosphere influenced attitudes and beliefs surrounding pain from the Middle Ages onwards to the present day.
In the Middle Ages, Canton states, “disease and pain were punishment, inflicted for breaking the divine law.” (494) Since, sin and pain were correlated, one can also expect there to be a stigma to sick people. So, religion acted as a hindrance to the alleviation of pain since it prevented one to venture out in that sphere. Hence, the church was able to stay in power by being the only agent to deal with pain.
According to Canton, the introduction of scientific reason during the Renaissance lead to the reexamination of classical texts that made “mastery over nature” (495)
In the Middle Ages, Canton states, “disease and pain were punishment, inflicted for breaking the divine law.” (494) Since, sin and pain were correlated, one can also expect there to be a stigma to sick people. So, religion acted as a hindrance to the alleviation of pain since it prevented one to venture out in that sphere. Hence, the church was able to stay in power by being the only agent to deal with pain.
According to Canton, the introduction of scientific reason during the Renaissance lead to the reexamination of classical texts that made “mastery over nature” (495)